Can I stay in AirBnBs?

[HapHap]

I've tried to find info but not coming up with anything.

I'm due to exchange and complete next week on my house, but my onward purchase has just fallen through :(

I'm now the end of the chain with everyone relying on us to move out so everyone can move - including families and first time buyers, who have all invested and been in this chain for 4 months now, we are all stressed.

Either I pull out and the chain collapses, or I go ahead, move out and stay in AirBnBs until I find another house. Under the new lockdown rules would this even be allowed?

I can't move into a rental as for boring complicated reasons I would never pass the checks so renting is not an option and I do not have friends of family I could stay with. AirBnB is my only viable option.

Help!

[RemyHadley]

I think you could. You’re allowed to move house, effectively the Airbnb would be your new home? I assume you’d use that as your bank address for all bills etc.

[CodenameVillanelle]

Yes as long as they are self contained - all rooms in host's accommodation will be blocked by Airbnb but self contained are allowed

[RemyHadley]

If you’re looking at a long-term stay, try messaging potential hosts directly and ask if they’ll give you a discount. We are about to move into a holiday rental for 6 months and are paying half the normal rate as obviously it’s a nice block booking for the host, no empty weeks, no need to do check ins/cleanings etc every week.

[HapHap]

@CodenameVillanelle

Yes as long as they are self contained - all rooms in host's accommodation will be blocked by Airbnb but self contained are allowed

That is so, so helpful thank you. Yes I was looking at booking 'entire' places ie 1 bed flat with sole use of kitchen etc.

I'm really worried that at any point rules can change and I could be told to 'go home' and leave the AirBnB without having anywhere to go. But if I pull out and let the chain collapse it will affect everyone so negatively.

I feel lucky I have my health right now but this is so stressful :(

[HapHap]

@RemyHadley

If you’re looking at a long-term stay, try messaging potential hosts directly and ask if they’ll give you a discount. We are about to move into a holiday rental for 6 months and are paying half the normal rate as obviously it’s a nice block booking for the host, no empty weeks, no need to do check ins/cleanings etc every week.

Oh that's a brilliant idea thank you! I was worried that if I asked, say, for a 3-month stay they might get spooked and not want someone that long but I suppose nothing wrong in asking!

[BefuddledPerson]

I believe yes because it is essential. Is not just a holiday!

[RemyHadley]

Well the host is not going to want to make you leave, as then they wouldn’t get paid, so they’d be on your side in the event of any rule changes.

In the last lockdown people weren’t made to leave Airbnb’s they were already in (our friends had booked a week away, were there when lockdown started and are still there as they are shielding and don’t want to be in London).

So I know it’s very stressful but I think the odds of you being told to leave are very low. And ultimately if you don’t have anywhere to go, I’d just stay put. They’d have to go to court to make you leave and that would take ages, especially at the moment.

[RemyHadley]

Most Airbnb’s now are professional holiday lets rather than people renting out their home while they’re away, so a lot of them should want a longer term booking!

[HapHap]

You have all helped me so much, I was half expecting being told I was being ridiculous to even consider it so thank you! I feel much more hopeful now.

[SeverusSnape1]

Yes, my friend is staying in one.

[AlohaMolly]

If you have no luck with Airbnb, try local holiday home companies. I work for a small company with over 30 self catering holiday homes so obviously had to close them all down over lockdown. We had people contacting us that had been in house fires so needed somewhere to stay, a relationship had broken down etc etc. I think my boss cleared it with our county council and then they could stay!

[Puppylucky]

Hi We are in almost exactly the same position. We complete next Thursday but need to stay in an Airbnb for a few weeks to avoid breaking the chain. All I can say is that our host is more than happy that we are still coming!

[HapHap]

Thanks again, honestly I think I'll sleep much easier tonight!!!

[Sunnydaysstillhere]

I work for 2 Air B&B hosts cleaning and all bookings are cancelled from Thursday..